The Lockdown Collection (TLC) Bursary 2025-2026
About The Lockdown Collection (TLC):
The Lockdown Collection (TLC) was created in response to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. TLC aims to turn these challenges into opportunities that benefit others and contribute to a sustainable future. Their mission is to promote the talents of South Africa’s artists, especially during a time when the arts industry faced significant difficulties due to the pandemic. TLC achieves its goals through the generosity of South African donors and their donations.
During the initial 21-day lockdown in South Africa, TLC generated ideas and commissioned various South African artists to create a series of art pieces that reflected their thoughts, emotions, and experiences during the lockdown. These artworks were shared on social media, forming an original art collection. At the end of the first South African lockdown, the entire art collection was sold during an online auction. TLC continues to operate, providing a platform for artists in the country during these challenging times.
About the TLC Bursary Programme:
TLC, in partnership with Artist Proof Studio and the Visual Arts Network of South Africa (VANSA), is offering a Visual Arts Bursary for the 2025-2026 academic year. This bursary is made possible by a donation from William Kentridge, a renowned artist, as part of numerous editions to raise funds for bursaries in the visual arts field.
Coverage Value:
The TLC Bursary provides funding to the value of R12,000 per student.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for the TLC Bursary, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- South African citizenship or Foreign National currently studying in South Africa
- Pursuing a Visual Arts qualification
- Enrolled in or accepted to a recognized institution (including universities, colleges, or community arts programs)
- Demonstrable financial need
How to Apply:
To apply for the TLC Bursary, complete the online application form available on the TLC Bursary Application 2025-2026 page.
Supporting Documentation:
Along with your completed application form, you must submit clear copies of the following documents (all documents must be labeled with your name and description):
- ID document (South African citizens) or Passport (Foreign Nationals)
- Profile photo of the applicant (head and shoulder only, clear, current, and professional)
- Latest academic results (on the institution’s letterhead)
- Proof of registration or acceptance from your tertiary institution to study toward a Visual Arts qualification (on the institution’s letterhead)
- Three images of your best work
- Proof of cost of fees from your institution (on the institution’s letterhead)
- Banking details of your institution or your personal banking details
- Reference letter from an educator at your institution, providing motivation for your application and explaining your financial need (including their contact details)
- Proof of financial need: three months of the latest personal bank statements
Notes:
- Completing the application form does not guarantee funding.
- All applications must be submitted online, and applications received via other methods will not be accepted.
- Incorrectly labeled files may lead to disqualification.
- All applications will be assessed by a panel of adjudicators.
- Successful applicants will be notified by 16 August.
Closing Date:
The closing date for the TLC Bursary is 31 July. Ensure that you submit your application before this date to be considered.
Contact Information:
For any queries related to this bursary program, please contact The Lockdown Collection directly through their contact portal.
